Noura El-Imam, Yogalates Bliss (UAE)

Noura El-Imam is a passionate wellness professional from Dubai, outdoor enthusiast, a foodie fanatic, a rock climbing adventurist, a travel-addict and an entrepreneur at heart, constantly dreaming, visualizing and planning. She is the founder of Yogalates Bliss in Dubai.

What is happiness for you?

– Happiness is when I’m surrounded by laughter and friends. Friends that don’t judge, rather, add great depth to your discussions, offer advice when needed, are there for you when you need help and randomly check in to see how you are doing and just to say – hello. To add to this, great food and being outdoors makes me very happy.

How did you come to your current level of positivity and what did you have to overcome to achieve it?

– I try to keep the law of attraction, the law of abundance and the law of manifestation in check. The more positive and determined you are, the higher the likelihood you will get what you’re after and the key is to stay positive about it. And I highly recommend picking up a copy of Will Bowen’s “A Complaint Free World: How to Stop Complaining and Start Enjoying the Life You Always Wanted” which teaches you how to stop complaining and build a healthier approach to life. I started off with 3 major setbacks in 2010 which all happened in 1 month. They were quite intense so I packed up my bags and went on a surf and yoga retreat to Bali. As I landed back in Dubai, I felt invincible… I managed to overcome a tough month, gave my thoughts a break in Bali and came back feeling completely renewed and ready to take on the world with new thoughts and ideas. And that’s when I launched my business heading into the 7th year to date.

Do you think you are good at making other people happy? If so, how?

– Yes! I love watching people laugh as I crack jokes. I also love asking people working in the service industry what their favourite dish is and what highlight they had today – they tend to give a LOT of their time and almost become robotic. To reciprocate their efforts and ask them about their day is priceless… their smile is infectious and it rewards your day as well.

Is Dubai a happy place to be?

– Dubai is one sunny happy place! I’ve made so many friends here from all across the globe. It’s extremely progressive and always hungry for new ideas. It’s also one of the most safest countries in the world and could easily be taken for granted.

Please share your favourite Happy thought

– Driving down the countryside in England from Suffolk to Oxford with the car top down and watching the trees overhead before stopping to pick wild berries from the side of the road and delicious scones with the locals in a quaint little cafe. All 5 senses were heightened, enlightened and an experience I’ll never forget with fabulous friends.